Odisha Police has placed Nuapada district on high alert ahead of the November 11 by-election, following intelligence reports of potential Naxal attempts to disrupt the polling process through violence. The bypoll was triggered by the death of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8. Senior officers confirmed that CPI (Maoist) members operating in Odisha have not surrendered, unlike their counterparts in Chhattisgarh, and may infiltrate via the Sunabeda forest to target the constituency.

Of the 358 polling stations, 47 are classified as critical due to their location in Naxal-affected zones. To counter threats, nine companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) already stationed in the district have been reinforced with 14 additional companies. Five platoons of Odisha Special Armed Police and over 500 constables and home guards have also been deployed. Fourteen check posts have been established within Nuapada, with one each in neighboring Kalahandi, Balangir, and Bargarh districts.

Chhattisgarh Police has set up a dedicated check post to monitor vehicular movement to and from Nuapada. Odisha DGP Y B Khurania directed intensified anti-Naxal operations based on real-time intelligence. IG Northern Range Himansu Kumar Lal and ADGP Sanjay Kumar are overseeing security coordination to ensure uninterrupted polling.

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Nuapada SP Amritpal Singh stated that 18 flying squads have been formed to conduct surprise checks on illegal cash, liquor, and contraband transport. Static surveillance and mobile patrols will operate round-the-clock, particularly at sensitive booths where voting ends at 4 pm. The measures aim to guarantee a free and fair election.

The security framework supports Odisha’s broader goal of eliminating Left-wing extremism by March 2026, in line with the Centre’s directive. With political parties intensifying campaigns, authorities remain committed to safeguarding democratic rights in one of the state’s most vulnerable regions.

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